ROADAHEAD.COM.AU
THE ROAD AHEAD OCT/NOV 2012
18
A newly-published
report on the
country's health
and nutrition might
surprise you.
LIFESTYLE HEALTH + WELLBEING
you are
what you eat
AMID THE REPORTS about sky-rocketing obesity rates,
there's finally some positive feedback about the eating habits
of Australians.
A report by the Australian Institute of Health and
Welfare (AIHW), has revealed that adults and children are
consuming an adequate intake of most nutrients, based on
dietary recommendations.
Unfortunately, the good news ends there.
The Australia's food and nutrition 2012 report, which
highlights how food choices affect health and the
environment, showed that many Australians are not
following a balanced diet, leaning more towards foods high
in fat and sugar. These foods contributed to 36 percent of
energy intake for adults and 41 percent for children -- far
higher than recommended.
And when it comes to not eating their greens, children
aren't the only culprits. The report found that about nine
in 10 adults aren't eating enough vegetables, and only 50
percent are eating enough fruit.
Whether people choose to eat healthily or unhealthily is
often based on economics rather than nutrition, according to
AIHW spokesperson Lisa McGlynn.
"There are some factors that discourage Australians from
eating well and maintaining a healthy body weight," Ms
McGlynn said. "The cost of healthy food is increasing at
a faster rate than the cost of less healthy food. This may
influence some people to buy less healthy foods due to
limited choice and high cost."
The AIHW Australia's food and nutrition 2012 report also
found:
• Twenty-fve percent of men and 10 percent of women
aged 65 and older don't eat enough protein foods.
• Six in 10 adults are overweight or obese, with the latest
national data showing 36 percent are overweight and 25
percent are obese.
• Poor dietary intake increases the risk of developing
chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes and
some cancers.
The AIHW is a national agency set up by the Australian
Government to provide information and statistics on
Australia's health and welfare. To obtain a full copy of the
Australia's food and nutrition 2012 report, go to aihw.gov.au.
STORY DEB ECCLESTON
The cost of healthy food is
increasing at a faster rate than
the cost of less healthy food.